Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include information about the Cordova varsity volleyball team in Anchorage.
At 10:02 a.m. a cancellation of the tsunami warning following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit seven miles north of Anchorage was issued.
A tsunami warning was issued for Western Prince William Sound, Kodiak, Homer, Seward and Cook Inlet, said Cordova Police Chief Mike Hicks. Although Cordova was not in the tsunami warning zone, precautionary evacuation steps were taken.
People evacuated from low-lying areas to Mt. Eccles Elementary School, the city’s first recommended evacuation site. Cordova Jr./Sr. High School was immediately evacuated to the elementary school following the earthquake. Fire engines and an ambulance were staged at Second Street as well.
Mt. Eccles Principle Gayle Groff said that the elementary school students were all moved upstairs and had many questions about the earthquake. The staff ensured the students that they were safe, and it was used as a good teaching moment, Groff said.
The Cordova varsity volleyball team was in Anchorage for the State 2A Tournament at Dimond High which was scheduled to run until Dec. 1, however due to the earthquake, games were postponed for the day and eventually switched to Anchorage Christian Schools. According to head coach Janelle Greenwood, all members of the team are safe at this time. The Cordova wrestling team was also in Anchorage for a tournament.
News of extensive damage in Anchorage quickly reached Cordovans as videos and photographs emerged online of cracked roads, fallen items and power outages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0HpZHH9u-/
(Video by Dillon Vought)
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